CBS broadcaster and future Hall of Fame defensive end J.J. Watt has accidentally leaked the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback depth chart for Week 1.
It’s no secret that Kyler Murray will start at quarterback for the Vikings when they face the Green Bay Packers next weekend. He basically became the starter the moment he agreed to a deal with Minnesota. Third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, meanwhile, has been competing for the backup job with Carson Wentz.
Despite being a former top-10 pick, McCarthy hasn’t done enough to prove he belongs in the NFL. He completed just 57.6% of his passes last season for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
While the Vikings haven’t unveiled their depth chart for Week 1, Watt shared a photo of his prep for Week 1. Fans noticed that Minnesota has Wentz as the No. 2 quarterback, not McCarthy.
“Accidentally leaked that JJ is QB3 lol,” one fan said.
“Mr. Watt is about to get a call from Mr. O’Connell for spoiling his QB2 plans,” a second fan commented.
“Hahaha! JJ just spoiled the news that Wentz is QB2. McCarthy has been relegated to third-string,” another fan wrote.
What’s the latest on J.J. McCarthy?
There have been rumblings about the Vikings moving on from McCarthy, but the front office has opted to hold onto its former first-round pick from Michigan.
“Wentz was a capable backup in 2025 for the Vikings, despite not signing until late August. With a full offseason, training camp, and preseason in the system, Wentz would be in even better position to fill in for Murray, if necessary,” Mike Florio wrote. “With Max Brosmer also on the roster, McCarthy could be in danger of not being on the roster by Sunday, when the rosters reduce to 53. The Vikings undoubtedly would try to trade him, since the balance of his 2026 pay ($1.075 million) and all of his 2027 compensation ($3.775 million) are fully guaranteed. The Vikings may have to pay a significant chunk of the money in order to facilitate a deal.”
If McCarthy is the No. 3 option on the depth chart for the entire 2026 season, that could lead to him wanting out next offseason. For now though, he’ll have to develop behind the scenes.
